Of Mice and Men Vocabulary

anguished

experiencing or expressing severe mental or physical pain or suffering

bindle

A bundle, usually of bedding and other possessions, carried by a hobo or other homeless person

brusquely

in a quick, blunt, and slightly rude manner

bucking

lifting and kicking action of the hind limbs

junctures

a particular point in events, or a place where things join

morosely

in a sad, gloomy manner or ill-tempered one

recumbent

in a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting

work up a stake

earn and save up some money

get the jack together

Get our affairs in order, and money together

blow their stake

lose and/or spend all their money

poundin' their tail

working really hard

live off the fatta the lan'

be able to survive and prosper by simply relying on what they can grow and raise

apprehensive

anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

archly

in an arch, roguish, or mischievously teasing manner

axles

a rod or spindle passing through the center of a wheel

bridled

show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up the head and drawing up the chin

buckers

individuals employed to perform manual work like carrying or shoveling, etc.

cesspool

underground pit or tank used to collect liquid waste and sewage

derogatory

expressing a low opinion or lack of respect for someone/thing

handy

something that is convenient, easy to use, or near at hand

jerkline skinner

the main driver of a mule team who handles the reins

liniment

a liquid or lotion, especially one made with oil, for rubbing on the body to relieve pain.

pugnacious

ready to quarrel/fight redaily; combative

rouged

any of various red cosmetics for coloring the cheeks or lips

scourges

a whip/lash used for punishment to cause great suffering

swamper

assistant worker, helper, general labor who performs odd jobs

vials

a small, glass or plastic container to store liquids

she got the eye

eyeing men, a flirt

take a sock at you

try to punch you

get the can

to be fired from your job

slang her pups

gave birth to puppies

napolean complex

"short man syndrome," is a psychological term that describes a perceived tendency for short men to exhibit domineering or aggressive behavior as a way of compensating for their perceived physical disadvantage. T

alfalfa

a flowering plant in the pea family. Grown to feed livestock.

bemused

to be puzzled, confused, or mildly amused

cowering

something or someone that is shrinking or crouching, in fear of shame

derision

contemptuous ridicule or mockery

hoosegow

a slang term for a jail

reprehensible

deserving blame or punishment

rheumatism

any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues

aloof

being reserved, distance, detached, not friendly

crestfallen

dejected, disheartened, or humbled; sadness

hame

2 curved pieces of iron/wood forming/attached to collar of draft horse to which traces are attached

indignation

anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

meager

small or lacking in quality or quantity

contemptuous

expressing strong feelings of disapproval / disdain for someone or something

whinnied

to make a soft and gentle, low-pitched neigh, especially by a horse

bewildered

confused, puzzled or perplexed by something complex

consoled

to have been given comfort or sympathy to alleviate sadness

earnestly

to do or say something with sincere and intense conviction or feeling

hovered

to stay in one place, usually in the air, to remain in or near a place

wisps

something small, thin, and delicate

writhed

to twist the body, in pain/discomfort

belligerently

in a hostile, aggressive, or fighting manner

gingham

lightweight plain-woven cotton cloth, typically checked in white and a bold color

monotonous

dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.

scornfully

without respect; in a disdainful manner

sullenly

showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve